The case stemmed from a complaint of Edgar Rodriguez, from whom Romero borrowed P6,000 in September 2013. But Romero failed to pay his loan as promised. After several text messages, Romero said he would pay Rodriguez through an “item,” which the latter suspected to be illegal drugs.

Rodriguez sought the help of the police, and an entrapment was set at the barangay plaza, where Romero was arrested after handing over a sachet of shabu to the complainant.